I have been a counselor for 20+ years. Counseling is a calling for me – a passion. I feel honored to come alongside those who are hurting, or who find themselves in a challenging place in their lives, and help them navigate through the difficulties that they face. I like to help my clients gain insight about themselves and others, assist them through the healing process, and then help them get back on track with their lives. I deal with the past issues as they affect the present, and I apply cognitive behavioral techniques to assist clients in facing and dealing with past hurts so they can heal and keep their past from hindering their progress in the present and future. As a therapist, I would describe myself as empathetic, non-judgmental, direct, honest, and practical. I offer my clients my genuine concern and empathy, combined with my direct thoughts, insights, and recommendations. I can offer you a safe place to sort through what is on your mind and heart. Many people carry a heavy load emotionally and fear letting their guard down with others. One of the benefits of therapy is that I am not in your every day life. I am not your friend or family member…I am your counselor. I am not here to judge you. I can help you cut through the noise and get to the root of what is truly troubling you and I can walk you through the steps necessary to bring about the change you desire to see in your life. Counseling Experience: -20+ years as a Counselor -Private practice for 10+ years (individual, marital, adolescent, & family counseling) Provided counseling services for individuals and families of all ages, while assisting with difficulties in areas like: marriage, divorce, blended family concerns, coparenting with an ex-spouse, recovering after a divorce, parenting children at various life stages, establishing healthy boundaries with others, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, spiritual concerns, decision making, addictions (self or others), and hurts from the past. -Served as counselor in a variety of agency settings for 13 years – I have extensive history and knowledge of the adoption process. I have worked with birth parents, adoptive couples and adopted children. I have provided counseling pre and post adoption placement, and helped families with all aspects of the adoption process. Licensure & Education: Licensed Professional Counselor – Issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, 1999. LPC Supervisor – Issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, 2007. Licensed Child Placing Administrator – Issued by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, 2008. Master of Arts: Marriage and Family Counseling – Southwestern Seminary/Ft. Worth, TX Master of Arts: Religious Education – Southwestern Seminary/Ft. Worth, TX Bachelor of Arts: Psychology – University of Louisiana at Monroe/Monroe, LA